13 Superstition Tips to Avoid Ghost Encounters While Travelling
Travelling can be exciting, but for those who believe in the supernatural, there's an extra layer of caution: avoiding encounters with ghosts! Whether you're travelling during the Hungry Ghost Festival or just want to play it safe, these superstition tips could save you from an unexpected ghostly encounter.
Here are 13 superstition-based travel tips
that could help you avoid ghostly encounters and keep your journey safe from the supernatural.
1. Knock on the Door 3 Times Before Entering
In Chinese superstition, it's polite to knock on your hotel room door three times before entering. This gesture is meant to inform any spirits that might be inside that you're about to step in. Some travellers even say, “Sorry for disturbing you; we’re only staying for ___ nights,” to show respect.
2. Occupy All Beds
If you're travelling alone and have a room with two beds, don’t leave one empty! Some believe that an unused bed invites a spirit to take up residence. Toss your suitcase, clothes, or any personal items on the extra bed to keep it "occupied."
3. Avoid Sleeping Facing a Mirror
In many cultures, mirrors are seen as portals for spirits. Sleeping facing a mirror is especially risky, as some believe that spirits could steal your soul when you’re in a vulnerable, half-awake state. If there's a mirror directly facing your bed, cover it up!
4. Mess Up Your Shoes
One classic superstition says you should never leave your shoes neatly by the bed. Why? Spirits may try to wear them and follow your footsteps! Placing your shoes in opposite directions or simply messing them up confuses any lurking spirits.
5. Don’t Touch the Bible
Many hotels provide a Bible in the room, and some believe that you should never touch it. The reasoning? The Bible is thought to offer protection, and disturbing it could remove that spiritual barrier.
6. Bring Protective Amulets
Carrying protective items, like a Guanyinma pendant or any amulet meant to ward off spirits, is a must for superstitious travellers. Place it on your bedside table to keep any bad spirits away.
Tips for Choosing a Safe Room
When it comes to avoiding ghostly encounters, picking the right hotel room is crucial. These tips will help you choose a room that’s less likely to attract spirits, ensuring a peaceful and safe stay during your travels.
7. Avoid Rooms at the End of a Corridor or Near Fire Exits
According to Thai ghost folklore, these rooms are hotspots for supernatural activity. The popular “The Ghost Radio” reports that 90% of ghost stories submitted to them involve rooms at these locations!
8. Stay Away from the 4th and 13th Floors
In many cultures, these numbers are considered unlucky. The 4th floor sounds like "death" in Chinese, while the 13th is notoriously unlucky in the West.
9. Avoid Twin Rooms If Travelling Alone
There are many stories of solo travellers experiencing strange happenings in twin rooms, as it’s believed that an empty bed invites an "unseen guest" to share the space.
10. Be Cautious When Booking a Room in a Fully Booked Hotel
Some travellers believe that if a hotel is fully booked and the staff "suddenly" finds an available room, it might be a haunted one.
11. Notice Any Strange Objects in Your Room
If you enter your room and notice objects arranged strangely, such as flowers, incense pots, garlands, or even coins in unusual places, take it as a sign to be cautious. These items are often linked to spiritual rituals or offerings, so consider asking for a room change if you feel uneasy.
12. Check the Bible on the table
If you walk into your hotel room and find the Bible open, request a room change immediately! In some cultures, an open Bible is a sign that the room is haunted.
13. Test for hidden cameras
While not a ghostly threat, a hidden camera can be even scarier! When in the bathroom, place your finger against the mirror. If there’s no gap between your finger and the reflection, it might be a two-way mirror, indicating a hidden camera.
Travel Safely, Superstitiously
Whether you're a firm believer in the supernatural or just cautious about your travels, these tips might give you peace of mind on your next adventure. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
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